Investigating how tumor cells interact with platelets in metastatic breast cancer
Official title: The TGF-Beta/MUC4 Signaling Axis in Circulating Tumor Cells of Metastatic Breast Cancer
Funded at University of California at Davis · NIH-10868446 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain cancer cells in the blood interact with platelets and how a protein from those platelets might help cancer cells survive and become more aggressive, with the goal of finding better treatment options for people with metastatic breast cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California at Davis NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Davis, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $41,568 |
| NIH project number | 5F31CA278419-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10868446 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer who have circulating tumor cells present in their bloodstream.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with early-stage breast cancer or those without circulating tumor cells may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the role of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) in metastatic breast cancer, particularly how they interact with platelets in the bloodstream. It examines the influence of a specific protein, transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β), secreted by platelets, on the behavior and survival of CTCs. The study employs various cellular and molecular techniques to analyze how TGF-β affects the expression of Mucin-4 (MUC4) in tumor cells and how this interaction may enhance the aggressiveness of cancer cells. By exploring these mechanisms, the research aims to uncover potential targets for improving treatment strategies for metastatic breast cancer.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies that more effectively target metastatic breast cancer cells.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the interactions between tumor cells and platelets, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California at Davis
Davis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Free, Savannah R — University of California at Davis
- Study coordinator: Free, Savannah R
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.